‘Supernatural’ Season 8 Premiere Photos

[WARNING! Season 7 & Season 8 Spoilers Ahead]

The Winchester boys are back for another fresh dose of hell (…well, Purgatory) in the upcoming season 8 of The CW’s long-running paranormal drama Supernatural.

In anticipation of the new season, the network is giving eager fans a taste of the premiere episode – titled “We Need to Talk About Kevin” – with several new photos that depict the demon-hunting brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) reuniting following Dean’s trip to Purgatory at the end of season 7. Unfortunately, Dean didn’t return home alone…

Riding Dean’s coattails back to earth and further complicating Sam and Dean’s perpetually strained relationship will be Battlestar Gallactica alum Ty Olsson, who has been cast in a recurring role as Benny – a vampire who assists Dean in his daring escape from Limbo a year after he last saw Sam. Now it seems the two escapees are bonded somehow and getting rid of Benny won’t be an easy task.

Take a look at the new photos of Sam and Dean’s reunion below (click to enlarge):

At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, Dean Winchester himself, Jensen Ackles, let fans in on some interesting details about his new frenemy:

“That character doesn’t just go away. [Benny] will stick around and of course cause problems. Because Dean is indebted to this character for his [escape], it makes the situation very volatile. That’s how the onion gets peeled back, through this crazy relationship with this new character. Ultimately, they are pathologically dishonest with each other because John Winchester was pathalogically elusive to them.”

Observant Supernatural fans will recognize Olsson from the episode “Bloodlust” way back in season 2 where he had the small role of Eli – a different “good” vampire who fed on cattle instead of people. This season, we’ll get the full scoop on Benny and Dean’s meeting via flashbacks, with Dean being selectively honest as to what he reveals to Sam concerning the vampire’s true intentions.

Joining Olsson this season on Supernatural is Canadian actress Liane Blaban (Alphas) who has been cast as Sam’s new love interest, Amelia. Described as a doctor suffering with a “damaged soul,” Amelia is a sweet, smart and brave woman who hides the pain of personal loss behind a wall of sarcasm. Initially, Amelia will be somewhat distrustful of Sam, but will soon recognize just what kind of guy he really is.

Season 8 of Supernatural returns Wednesday, October 3 @ 9/8c on The CW.